View full sizeTexas defensive back Kenny Vaccaro runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, file)

No team in the NFL had an older starting defense than the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. While still effective a year ago -- the Steelers led the NFL in total defense -- the time is fast approaching to assemble a core of young talent to continue the franchise's long run of defensive dominance.

The team can take plenty of routes to accomplish that in the 2013 NFL draft.

With James Harrison and Brett Keisel moving on and Larry Foote entering his 13th season, there's a need for a young pass rusher.

Whether the draft presents an opportunity in the first round largely depends on the availability of frontline players when the Steelers pick at No. 17 overall. Oregon's Dion Jordan, Georgia's Alec Ogletree and BYU's Ziggy Ansah are all good fits, but easy to see disappearing in the first 15 picks.

The Steelers' secondary could also use a shot in the arm.

Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro is a first-round talent who can back up both Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu, a key position considering age -- Clark is 33, Polamalu is 31 -- and the likelihood for injury.

Not only that, the Steelers were tied for 27th in the NFL in interceptions (10) and 25th in overall turnovers (20) last season. Pittsburgh could use another playmaker on its defense.

Vaccaro brings plenty to the table to warrant a mid-first round pick. Athletic and rangy, he covers ground in the secondary and is aggressive in the running game. He has NFL size and speed and was a top performer at the NFL combine in the 20-yard shuttle (4.06 seconds).

Just as capable of landing impact hits as he is playing tight man coverage, Vaccaro was used at times as a nickel back at Texas. He can also blitz off the edge, bringing that Polamalu-like ability to line up all over the field and demand the offense's attention.

As building blocks go, Vaccaro is a good one to bring youth and flair to the Steelers' defense, not to mention a hint of the pass-rushing ability the team needs.

The question is, can the Steelers find comparable options in later rounds to prioritize other positions of need? In addition to a linebacker, Pittsburgh could also be in the market for a starting-caliber running back, a wide receiver or a tight end in the early rounds.

If general manager Kevin Colbert can't find an ideal fit at those positions at pick No. 17, Vaccaro would be a terrific choice to bolster the Steelers' defense for years to come.